Best Cat Insurance of 2026
Cats are masters at hiding illness — until it's expensive. Find the right coverage to protect your cat and your wallet.
Expert Picks
Best Cat Insurance Plans
See All CompaniesHealthy Paws
Best OverallUnlimited lifetime benefits with no caps — ideal for cats with chronic or serious illness.
Embrace
Best ValueCovers dental illness and behavioral conditions. Wellness add-on available for routine care.
ASPCA Pet Insurance
Best for Preventive CareCovers exam fees and behavioral conditions as standard. Strong preventive care add-on.
Plan Types
Types of Cat Insurance Coverage
Accident-Only
Covers injuries from accidents — broken bones, lacerations, swallowed objects. Does not cover illness.
Indoor cats with very low risk of illness
Accident & Illness
The most popular plan type. Covers accidents plus illnesses including cancer, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and hereditary conditions.
Most cat owners — the best balance of coverage and cost
Comprehensive
Accident & illness coverage plus a wellness add-on for routine care: vaccines, dental cleanings, flea prevention, and annual exams.
Owners who want one plan to cover everything
Know Your Breed
Breed-Specific Health Risks
Purebred cats carry higher risks for specific hereditary conditions. Here's what to watch for — and why insurance matters before symptoms appear.
Maine Coon
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Hip dysplasia
- Spinal muscular atrophy
Persian
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
- Breathing issues (flat face)
- Eye conditions
Siamese
- Amyloidosis (liver disease)
- Asthma
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Ragdoll
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Bladder stones
- Obesity
Bengal
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Flat-chested kitten syndrome
Domestic Shorthair
- Hyperthyroidism (older cats)
- Kidney disease
- Dental disease
Coverage Details
What Cat Insurance Covers
Typically Not Covered
Common Exclusions
Common Questions
Cat Insurance FAQs
Is cat insurance worth it?
Yes — especially for cats that go outdoors or breeds prone to hereditary conditions. A single emergency visit averages $800–$3,000. Chronic conditions like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism can cost $1,000–$3,000 per year in ongoing treatment.
Is cat insurance cheaper than dog insurance?
Generally yes. Cat insurance typically costs 30–50% less than equivalent dog coverage because cats tend to have fewer accidents and lower average vet costs. Most plans run $15–$45/month for accident & illness coverage.
Does cat insurance cover indoor cats?
Yes — all major providers cover indoor cats. Indoor cats still face significant health risks including kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, dental disease, and cancer. Some insurers offer slightly lower premiums for indoor-only cats.
What age can I insure my cat?
Most insurers accept cats from 6–8 weeks old. There's typically no upper age limit, though premiums increase significantly for senior cats (8+). Some providers have age caps for new enrollments (usually 14 years).
Does cat insurance cover dental?
Dental accidents are covered by most plans. Dental illness (periodontal disease, tooth resorption) is covered by fewer providers — Embrace is one of the best options for dental illness coverage.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
No — pre-existing conditions are excluded by all major insurers. This is why enrolling early is so important. Conditions that develop after enrollment are covered, so the sooner you sign up, the more is covered.
Find the Right Plan for Your Cat
Compare top cat insurance providers side by side and find the coverage that fits your cat's breed and your budget.